Cluny Sisters Inaugurate Centenary Year Celebration in Kalimpong, West Bengal

Kalimpong, November 17, 2025 — Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, Province of North East India and Nepal, inaugurated their centenary year (1926–2026) at St Joseph’s Convent, Kalimpong, where the first group of Cluny Sisters arrived on 26 May 1926. The celebration brought together Sisters, clergy, civic leaders, alumni, educators, and community representatives to mark 100 years of mission, education, and social service in the region.

The centenary year was opened with the release of the theme song and a thanksgiving gathering led by Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling, Bishop Paul Simick of Bagdogra, and Bishop Fabian Toppo of Jalpaiguri, along with more than 48 priests.

In his address, Bishop Lepcha paid tribute to the pioneering Cluny Sisters for their “missionary spirit and their foundational contributions to faith formation, education, care of the poor, and the uplift of marginalised communities.” Provincial leader Sister Madeleine Simick emphasised that the centenary theme, Journey of Hope, reflects the congregation’s commitment to “continue walking with the people with renewed purpose.”

More than 150 Cluny Sisters from across the Province joined the gathering. Representatives from various government bodies, former students, parents, teachers, school authorities, and civic leaders participated, highlighting the far-reaching impact of Cluny institutions across the region.

The Cluny congregation, founded in 1807 in Cluny, France, by Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, first arrived in India in 1827. They later expanded their presence to the hills, beginning in Chandernagore and Calcutta before reaching Kalimpong on 26 May 1926. Their early mission centred on education, healthcare, and restoring dignity to people in remote villages—work carried out alongside the Fathers of the Foreign Missions Society of Paris (MEP) and the Canon Regulars from Switzerland.

Today, 178 Sisters serve in 34 communities across six provinces, including Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal. The province remains active in education, healthcare, social work, women’s empowerment, environmental stewardship, and child development.

“The Cluny mission stands deeply engaged in education, healthcare, social work, women and child empowerment, environmental care, and sustainable development,” said Sister Madeleine. “We are proud to celebrate a legacy of transformation wherever our Sisters have served.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter